Lucas Akins says the Burton Albion squad have reported back for pre-season in good shape.

Albion began their preparations for the 2018-19 League One campaign on Monday as they took part in their first day of pre-season training.

Fitness work is the early focus for the Brewers, who are looking to be ready to hit the ground running when their campaign opens at home to Rochdale on August 4, having already undertaken individual programmes in the close season.

And Akins knows the high temperatures currently hitting the UK will add to the intensity of Albion's work on the St George's Park training fields.